Contemporary row on the BBC as Mark Chapman ‘refuses to share Match of the Day job with feminine co-presenter’ after it was revealed Gary Lineker will go away the present on the finish of the season

A contemporary row has damaged out on the BBC over who will exchange Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host, with frontrunner Mark Chapman reportedly refusing plans for a job share. 

Lineker, 63, confirmed yesterday that he was leaving the flagship soccer present on the finish of the season after 25 years as host – regardless of apparently volunteering to surrender £350,000 of his £1.35million wage to remain within the position.

BBC Sport boss Alex Kay-Jelski is set to refresh the present and seemingly declined Lineker’s provide, kicking off a race to interchange him. 

Kay-Jelski is claimed to have proposed for Chapman, the present host of Match of the Day 2 to share presenting duties with Kelly Somers, 33. 

Nonetheless, the 51-year-old has flatly refused a Match of the Day job share, it’s claimed.

‘As quickly as Gary’s deal was executed, Alex made it clear he wished Mark and Kelly to interchange him,’ a supply advised The Solar. 

‘It might successfully be a job share and they’d rotate internet hosting duties between them. Mark has made it clear inside the group at MOTD that this is not one thing he would wish to do. 

‘He does not need a job share, he needs Gary’s position as his personal, which is comprehensible. It is a headache for the BBC as a result of they thought they’d discovered a simple resolution.

‘It is again to the drafting board and negotiations are ongoing.’ 

Kay-Jelski has been branded ‘the hatchet man’ behind the scenes of the BBC, sources advised MailOnline final month, and performed a key position in axing Jermaine Jenas following his sexting scandal.

In keeping with one insider, the manager believes Lineker’s title not carries as a lot weight because it as soon as did, views his  wage as ‘extreme’ and has privately admitted Match of the Day viewers would tune in regardless of the host. 

‘He is fronted Match of the Day for over 25 years, so the present is due a change, and Kay-Jelski is the person ruthless sufficient to set off one,’ the supply stated final month – appropriately predicting yesterday’s final result. 

‘His brutal axing of Jenas exhibits he isn’t afraid to make large selections and he has no qualms about doubtlessly upsetting Lineker. There is a feeling inside Match of the Day a brand new period is able to kick in and Lineker would be the greatest casualty.’ 

MailOnline beforehand revealed that the BBC had apparently drafted a press launch saying Lineker’s fast departure from Match of the Day.

Kay-Jelski was the alleged writer of the e-mail, having solely began his Head of Sport job in April.

He shipped out Jenas, who in accordance with some experiences was being lined as much as step into Lineker’s sneakers on the helm of the flagship soccer present.

Within the gentle of rumours Jenas had despatched sexually inappropriate texts to youthful feminine colleagues, Kay-Jelski launched an investigation into the case and ruthlessly sacked Jenas in a video name whereas he was on vacation along with his household.

As soon as the choice was made, Kay-Jelski despatched a terse electronic mail to the BBC’s total sports activities employees saying: ‘Whats up all, I wished to let you recognize that Jermaine Jenas is not working for the BBC. Thanks Alex.’

In keeping with insiders, he was equally robust in negotiations with Lineker over the renewal of his present contract, which expires on the finish of the soccer season.

It’s understood that Kay-Jelski was irritated by Lineker’s typically outspoken feedback on his non-BBC podcast that he hosts alongside MOTD colleagues Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, which is produced by his personal profitable firm Goalhanger.

Lineker sparked controversy this summer season after describing England’s performances within the early phases of Euro 2024 as ‘s***’

Regardless of being solid out, Lineker has nonetheless secured a brand new money-spinning take care of the BBC to stream his immensely profitable The Relaxation is Soccer podcast on the BBC Sounds app.

The footballer turned pundit has been the common presenter of the present since 1999 however he’ll finish his 25-year stint on the Saturday evening programme as its £1.35million-a-year host on the finish of this season.

Lineker, a lightning rod for criticism over impartiality lately who was seen strolling his canine this morning, will go away the company altogether after the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the US when he’s 65, as first reported by MailOnline in October.

In a 21-word assertion, which didn’t point out leaving Match of the Day in any respect, he stated: ‘I am delighted to proceed my lengthy affiliation with BBC Sport and wish to thank all those that made this occur’.

The assertion learn: ‘The BBC and Gary Lineker have agreed in precept a contract extension by means of to the 2026 World Cup.

‘Gary will lead the protection of the match, as England as soon as once more attempt to land a primary main trophy since 1966, the opposite Residence Nations look to qualify and Lionel Messi goals to retain the trophy he received with Argentina.

‘Gary may also host BBC Sport’s protection of the FA Cup within the 2025-26 season, 35 years on from lifting the trophy as a participant.

‘After 1 / 4 of a century, Gary is stepping down from internet hosting Match of The Day on the finish of this season. He’ll proceed with the MOTD High Ten podcast and the BBC may also host the vastly fashionable The Relaxation is Soccer podcast on BBC Sounds.’

Former Director Basic Greg Dyke stated right now that Lineker’s penchant for giving private views could have been ‘within the thoughts’ of the BBC after they determined to go for a brand new host.

‘Ultimately, individuals watch Match Of The Day for the soccer’, he stated.